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Rafael Nadal v Novak Djokovic as it happened

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By Piers Newbery

0325: Well, we made it. An incredible achievement by Rafael Nadal at the age of 24 to become just the seventh man to win the lot - Wimbledon, French, Aussie and US Opens. And a pretty incredible achievement by the people of the UK and beyond to stay up and watch it - thanks for your input over the last fortnight, it's been brilliant. And if you hang around a couple of hours I'll have a quotes piece for you. Anyone! ANYONE?

From sssssarah via twitter:
"Huge credit to Djokovic. What a match! I don't think I could have asked for anything more. Rafa Slam party anyone?"

Fernando Verdasco via twitter:
"Congratulations from here to Rafa Nadal for winning the us.open, for the way he played and unbelievable 4 set with only 2 errors! So BIG!"

0318: Rafael Nadal: "First thing, congratulate Nole and all his team for a great tournament, you're a great player and you're going to win this trophy very soon, I'm sure of that. I want to congratulate you for a great attitude after losing a Grand Slam final, that's a great example for the kids. (Winning the US Open) is more than I dreamt, just to arrive to the final was amazing and to have the trophy in my hands in a few seconds is going to be unbelievable."

0314: Novak Djokovic: "It's a great honour to be here again after three years. I'd like to congratulate Rafa and his team for an amazing tournament. Right now he's the best player in the world and he absolutely deserves this title, well done again."

From luke via text: "I'm not ashamed to say i cried tears of joy when rafa won tonight. I'm so proud of him."

0305: Nadal falls to his knees in celebration after match point, but once both men have put their rackets away and got their tracksuit tops on he's round to Novak's chair giving him a friendly pat on the back and a word in the ear. Classy stuff.

RAFAEL NADAL BEATS NOVAK DJOKOVIC TO WIN THE US OPEN AND COMPLETE THE CAREER GRAND SLAM

Nadal 6-4 5-7 6-4 6-2 Djokovic A line judge appears to get a bit jumpy early on but Nadal ignores any obstacles in his way, smacking a smash away for 30-0. Djokovic then gets a net cord and raises his arms in mock celebration, 30-15, and Nadal goes long with a forehand for 30-30. Nadal is on the ropes in the next point but he now gets a net cord and moves in to swipe away a forehand winner. Championship point.... and Djokovic goes wide with a forehand! History!

From Mani in Farnborough via text: "Sheer class, Rafa. Lying in a hospital bed reading text commentary at 3am isn't probably ideal but there will be no sleep until we have a result. Get in!"

* Nadal 6-4 5-7 6-4 5-2 Djokovic Djokovic looks in control of the game at 30-0 before a double fault and a wayward backhand make it 30-30. Two points away now, Rafa, but he sends a backhand long and NoDjo seals the game with a terrific backhand volley.

From stephd89 via twitter:
"As tired as i am, i really don't want this brilliant match to end especially as i've made food now but its looking imminent."

From daz2912 via twitter:
"Started a new game, have a beer when Nadal throws a break point away....we need more beer! COME ON NOLE."

Nadal 6-4 5-7 6-4 5-1 Djokovic * A besuited gentleman is up on his feet, shaking his fists in admiration (I think) as Djokovic hits a winner for 30-30 to show he's not done yet, and Nadal then nets for 30-40 and break point.... but NoDjo makes the error and it's deuce. Game point follows but Djokovic comes up with another ridiculous forehand down the line to save it. Nadal stretches to fire an amazing cross-court backhand past Djokovic at the net and finally takes the game with a service winner. So what sort of Rafa victory celebration are we going for? Flat on his back, a jump and a fist pump, a moonwalk maybe? That would be good.

* Nadal 6-4 5-7 6-4 4-1 Djokovic For such a nice bloke, Nadal can be a bit scary sometimes. The way he ravenously devours a forehand for 0-30 sends a chill down the spine. He's like a velociraptor, in the nicest possible sense. If that is possible. A Djokovic error makes it 0-40 and three break points.... and Nole nets on the second.

From Nicki via text: "I really should be getting some sleep have 3 small boys who will have me up at 5am, but I cant take my eyes off this great tennis match. Come on nadal."

From anon via text: "In a bar in Chicago. Because of rainouts, not on tv. Please speed up transmissions. My heart can't take it."

* Nadal 6-4 5-7 6-4 2-1 Djokovic Ooof. Nadal leans back and crack a forehand down the line for 15-40 and two break points.... Rafa has made four of 22 so far, how will he fare here? Djokovic saves the first with a blistering forehand, but clips the tape on the second and sees the ball fly long. Nadal just needs to serve out now for his place in history. Just.

Nadal 6-4 5-7 6-4 1-1 Djokovic * Djokovic screams at the black sky when a backhand flies wide and Nadal serves out the game easily enough. "Rafa, Rafa," cry some of the fans. "Novak, Novak," respond some others, not unreasonably.

Nadal 6-4 5-7 6-4 1-1 Djokovic * Djokovic screams at the black sky when a backhand flies wide and Nadal serves out the game easily enough. "Rafa, Rafa," cry some of the fans. "Novak, Novak," respond some others, not unreasonably.

* Nadal 6-4 5-7 6-4 0-1 Djokovic Djokovic steers a backhand over the baseline and he's in deep, deep trouble at 30-40 and break point.... but the world number three finds a big serve and exhorts himself to "Come on!" Moments later it's "Game, Djokovic."

Nadal 6-4 5-7 6-4 Djokovic * Massive. Djokovic wins a breathtaking, punishing rally that has both men stretching the parameters of the court. It's only 15-15 after all that but when Nadal goes long, Team Djokovic are on their feet and urging their man on. Ace! No! It's a let, but Rafa responds with a swinging service winner and it's 30-30. "What a point this is," says Alistair Eykyn on 5 live sports extra.... Ace! Nadal earns a set point with a nerveless serve..... and he takes it with a service winner. Team Nadal are now the ones jumping in the stands.

* Nadal 6-4 5-7 5-4 Djokovic Nadal accelerates through a forehand down the line and catches Djokovic unaware, making it 15-15, but a spectacular forehand from the Serb as he's practically moving backwards and a fizzing backhand down the line seal a solid service game.

From Christian via text: "I'm going to need some serious therapy when this game is done! My palms are sweating, I'm biting my nails. My heart rate is through the roof. Meanwhile my girlfriend is happily snoring away!"She's another lucky lady.

Nadal 6-4 5-7 5-3 Djokovic * Nadal looks a little bit edgy with a double fault for 40-30 but a swinging serve out wide is too much for Djokovic.

* Nadal 6-4 5-7 4-3 Djokovic Umpire Steve Ullrich asks the crowd to keep a lid on it between serves, 5 live suggesting it's the Serbian contingent getting a bit lively as their man struggles. Djokovic could do with a lift at the moment as Nadal swarms all over the net and chops a backhand volley away for 15-30. A forehand into the net from Novak then hands Rafa two break points.... a long, long rally ends with Djoko arrowing a forehand into the corner, and he then moves in and cushions a forehand drop volley over for deuce. Djokovic is amazed to see a dodgy Rafa return clip the line and the Serb puts a backhand over the baseline - break point three... but Nadal stuffs a backhand into the bottom of the net. Djokovic double faults, break point four.... and Nole thumps a massive forehand winner! Incredible stuff. Djokovic pulls a forehand into the tramlines and Nadal has a fifth break point.... but he nearly flattens a ball boy with that attempted pass. Djokovic eventually comes through and Nadal has now made just four of 21 break points.

Nadal 6-4 5-7 4-2 Djokovic * More involuntary laughter on my part as Nadal wins a brilliant rally at 40-0, chasing down a lob, flipping it back and then stepping in and cracking a forehand winner.

From Duncan via text: It's times like these I realise how over-rated sleep is. My girlfriend is snoozing in the room next door and missing all of this, the fool!"She's one lucky lady.

* Nadal 6-4 5-7 3-2 Djokovic Djokovic has gone from Purple Rain era Prince to Grafitti Bridge, i.e. not so good. He looks drained after the disappointment of dropping serve and three wayward shots have him 15-40 down. Two break points... a serve-volley and a big serve-forehand get Djokovic back to deuce. Nole's little brother grins cheekily as he applauds in the stands - he looks like trouble - and big bruv fails to control a forehand on the run. Break point... but Nadal unexpectedly misses a backhand cross-court, and another error on that side gives NoDjo the game.

Nadal 6-4 5-7 3-1 Djokovic * Yep, beautiful wrong-footing backhand from Nadal takes him to 30-0 and then he goes one better by skipping around his backhand and unleashing a vicious forehand into the corner. A love hold, and Rafa marches off to get a new bat.

* Nadal 6-4 5-7 2-1 Djokovic Djokovic is drawn into a couple of lengthy rallies and comes off worse to slip to 0-30. Djoko takes on a forehand into the corner and follows it in, only for Nadal to hammer a cross-court backhand past him. Shot of the day, maybe, and the Spaniard pumps his fist. Jeff Tarango on 5 live sports extra calls it a "double-fisted snappy-snap." Technical term. Three break points.... Djokovic hits an ace, Nadal makes an error.... but Djokovic swings a makeable forehand wide and Nadal breaks.

From Colin, NZ, via text: "Whilst you are all sleepy I can view this wonderful match and it is only midday in the worlds earth quake capital....good job they are in NY as the power might cause another after shock...."

Nadal 6-4 5-7 1-1 Djokovic * Nadal stops the rot with a love game, rounded off nicely with a flamboyant forehand down the line. Rafa's mum and dad look extremely nervous in the stands. No wacky t-shirts in the Nadal camp.

* Nadal 6-4 5-7 0-1 Djokovic It's Nadal who is hanging on a bit right now as Djokovic goes through the purplest of purple patches. He's like Prince out there, ripping forehand and backhand winners to start the game and holding despite a double fault.

From JoeyjojoR via twitter:
"Spare a thought for Australians, who had to go to work and are missing the action of what looks to be the makings of a classic."

From Mike in melbourne via text: "Its mid-morning here in australia, perfect time to sit at my desk and watch the bbc live scores!"

Nadal 6-4 5-7 Djokovic * This time it's Djokovic who hurtles across the baseline to make a brilliant defensive backhand that just creeps over the net, forcing Nadal to half-volley into the net for 30-30. NoDjo then steps it up with a big, big backhand down the line and it's set point.... and he hammers a return straight at Nadal's feet that the Spaniard can't control. Settle back everyone, we are going long. Great stuff.

* Nadal 6-4 5-6 Djokovic Nadal comes flying across the baseline from out of shot to cream a cross-court backhand winner past Djokovic at the net, fantastic stuff. The pressure is on Djokovic again at 30-30 but he finds a big serve and a Samprasesque smash, and follows up with a deft drop shot for the game. Mum and dad have got jackets on now as it's a bit cold, but I can still see Nole's face peeping out from underneath.

Nadal 6-4 5-5 Djokovic * Nadal gets the crowd on their feet when he anticipates Djokovic smacking a forehand into the corner and is waiting to fire it back down the line. NoDjo responds with a brilliant looping backhand winner when scrambling desperately behind the baseline - it's fist pumps all round in this game. The mark of great tennis is when I start laughing out loud at how ridiculously good they are, and I'm chuckling away until Novak fluffs a volley after working desperately hard to work an opening. Nadal holds to 15. Big stuff from both men.

* Nadal 6-4 4-5 Djokovic So here we go, 30-30... and Djokovic blazes an incredible off-forehand winner on his second shot after the resumption, but Nadal responds with a backhand pass for deuce. Novak edges ahead with another fine forehand winner and thinks he has the game before Hawkeye calls him back when it says Nadal clipped the edge of the line. Djokovic goes long with a backhand and it's deuce again, but he pulls through with another thumping forehand on his next game point.

From Sarah via text: "Re whatasneeze: I want one of those t-shirts! As long as it is not designed by the same person as those terrifying face masks on the BBC website!"How about t-shirts with my face on them for everyone who stays up? Hang on... wait..... where are you going......!!!???

0050: Great news! Rafa and Novak are out on court knocking up and we're nearly there, people. It's 4-4, 30-30, on the Djokovic serve, don't forget. Massive couple of points coming up.

Greg Rusedski via twitter:
"Starting to clear up , getting lighter, but still raining hard, what a shame, was turning into a classic match."

From Mike in Leeds via text: "Surprised no one there has mentioned that no man has EVER won the US (Open or otherwise) without dropping a set....NADAL is just 8 games away!!!"

2358: The brooding sound of Depeche Mode booms out over the sodden and empty Arthur Ashe Stadium. The latest word is that play could resume within an hour and they're confident the final will be completed tonight. And thanks everyone for pointing out the errant apostrophe earlier, the only one in 14 days I'm fairly confident. A manual refresh will rid you of this annoyance, which seems to have wound up some people more than the rain.

From ABAtweets via twitter:
"Aside from the whole rubbishness of the postponement, is anyone else feeling smug that this would never happen @wimbledon now?"

From Irish Dave in Slovenia via text: "I feel Mark from Cheshire's pain. My wife's Slovenian (&pro NoDjo) & is disgusted that I'm shouting for Rafa. I'm in a no win position here."

From anon via text: "Spectators have been told to evacuate seats before: monte carlo 2009. It tends to result in mass panic. Of course then we all sheltered under the metal stands, which perhaps defeated the point slightly."

2312: I think Jack speaks for us all there. I'll keep you informed of any developments but at the moment it's pelting down. At least it's Tuesday tomorrow and not Monday. Tuesdays don't matter.

2305: Spectators are told to evacuate their seats as there is thunder and lightning in the area. So the immediate forecast is not good. "Stay positive Novak," shouts one fan as the players exit hurriedly. Good advice, there's plenty left in this match. Eventually.

2300: RAIN STOPS PLAY

Nadal 6-4 4-4 Djokovic * I say "serve to stay in the set", but I mislead you. Djokovic still needs to hold desperately though, and slaps a ball into the net after an error for 15-15. Nadal then forces his man back for 15-30 and the rain starts to fall! Djokovic has time to make it 30-30 before play is halted. Noooooooo!!!!

The rest of the magic Djokovic t-shirt - it's too much for mum Diana

Nadal 6-4 4-4 Djokovic * Nadal is quick to move in on the net in the first two points, keen to assert his dominance, and an ace makes it 40-0. A couple of errors bring Djokovic back into it but the Serb cannot make the following return and these are dangerous moments for the third seed, as he prepares to serve to stay in the set. And here's the rest of the Djokoshirt, as requested...

* Nadal 6-4 3-4 Djokovic Nadal misses with a tantalising mid-court forehand he'd normally make in his sleep, and Djokovic then plays a sharp drop volley to match Rafa's from the game before. A Nole error gives Nadal a sniff at 40-30.... and the Spaniard plays a superb rally, creating the space and sticking an off-forehand right there. Deuce, and Djoko comes in bravely but just catches the tape with an angled volley. "I see this as match point," says Jeff Tarango on 5 live sports extra. Pushing it a bit, but you know what he means. Break point... but Nadal slices a backhand long. A Novak error offers up break point two.... but Nadal finds the net, and then smacks his strings with his fist a la Andy Murray. Unusual from him, but he's refocused quickly enough to fire a massive forehand winner. Break point three.. Huuuuge rally follows, Nadal getting away with a mishit but ending it with a pile-driver of a backhand before leaping into the air. "Vamos!" would seem to be the general feeling.

From 818pm via twitter:
"But, wait, you cut off the best part of the shirt! The incongruous eagle. Come on, that's awesome."Oh for..... gimme a minute.

From Mark, Cheshire, via text: "My eldest daughter loves Rafa my youngest Djokovic so fighting like cat and dog at the moment. Just be glad when it's over to be honest."

Nadal 6-4 2-4 Djokovic * Djokovic has a half-chance at 0-15 when Nadal comes into the net and leaves a gap for a pass, but the third seed finds the net. Nadal comes in again and plays a delicate drop volley but Nole keeps him honest with yet another blistering forehand winner. Rafa takes the game when Djokovic puts a return long. And, no, Djokovic's dad has not got a picture of Tim Henman on his shirt. You silly people.

* Nadal 6-4 1-4 Djokovic A terrific forehand gets Djokovic off to the perfect start and he's looking really aggressive all of a sudden. He flattens out another big forehand for 40-0... and he spanks another huge off-forehand into the corner! That's 10 points in a row for the Serb.

Srdan Djokovic is rightly proud as punch of son Novak

Nadal 6-4 1-3 Djokovic * Look out - Nadal double faults, by a long way, and he's 0-40 down. Three break points... and after a long rally, Nadal goes long with the backhand. Srdan Djokovic is up on his feet, and for those requesting it here's a picture of the man himself and his magnificent t-shirt.

* Nadal 6-4 1-2 Djokovic Some good stuff from both men, Djokovic thumping another of those heavy topspin forehands that dips to catch the line, Nadal responding with a fizzing backhand into the corner. It's 30-30, and NoDjo apologies after a mishit helps him to the point, despite Nadal still managing to chase it down. Nadal nets and we're all square.

Nadal 6-4 1-1 Djokovic * Nadal hits his first two aces of the day to get to 40-0 but then goes long, and Djokovic ups the pressure a little with a big cross-court forehand winner for 40-30. Nadal fails to get a drop shot back and it's deuce, but the Spaniard serves his way out of trouble.* denotes NEXT to serve

From alexmillier via twitter:
"Loving the live text on BBC of the US open final. Am in regional Western Australia with only an iPad for info on the game."

* Nadal 6-4 0-1 Djokovic Djokovic opens the second set with a love hold. Papa Djokovic shakes his head ruefully in the stands after his son drops the first set. The good news is, he's still got that t-shirt on.* denotes NEXT to serve

Nadal 6-4 Djokovic * Nadal earns two sets points at 40-15 after following up a big serve with a heavy forehand... and Djokovic fires a backhand long to seal the set after 50 minutes. Novak is going to have to do this the hard way. The very, very hard way.

From Sam via text: "Just back in London after having to fly back after rain stop final. Please stop making it sound so epic. Extra day off for sure next year!"

Nadal 5-3 Djokovic * "I have to say, the clouds are gathering overhead and it's not looking good," says Alistair Eykyn on 5 live sports extra. Really, Ali, you didn't have to say that. Nadal must have heard him as he races through a love hold of his own.

Nadal 4-2 Djokovic * Nadal is absolutely relentless, pounding away on both sides. He powers away a cross-court backhand from well behind the baseline for 30-15 and sees out the game relatively comfortably, compared to the first five games which took over half an hour.

From Ed, london, via text: "Piers, is it just me or have the crowds on Ashe been a bit disappointing? I know it's monday afternoon and all, but if this was Centre Court, would half the top tier still be empty?"

From Jonny in Newcastle via text: "Novak in a 5 set epic, his flat ground strokes will be too much for rafa to handle!"

* Nadal 3-2 Djokovic Nadal sends a vicious slice down the line at 0-30 that Djokovic leaves, I think, although he would have struggled to do much with it - fantastic shot. "Love-forty," says umpire Steve Ullrich, who always manages to convey some sense of the meaning behind the score to these ears. I swear he sounded surprised then. Anyway, three break points... Djokovic saves the first with a move to the forecourt, the second with a forehand winner... and the third when, under huge pressure, a brilliant defensive backhand clips the baseline and makes Nadal frame it. The rallies are so punishing and you have to feel Nadal will enjoy that more. Djoko goes long with a backhand for break point number four.... but it's an unforced error from Nadal. A Djokovic forehand finds the net... but he saves the fifth break point with a backhand down the line. Breathless stuff (and that's just me) as NoDjo just cannot chase down a Nadal forehand. Break point number six.... and Nadal cracks a huge forehand down the line, prompting Djokovic to smash his racket. To pieces.

Nadal 2-2 Djokovic * Just as I failed to predict, a couple of Nadal errors see him at 15-30 but Djokovic misses a chance to move in a take a volley on the next point, his hesitation allowing Rafa to anticipate the forehand and return it down the line. Another great rally ensues and this time Djokovic takes control, finishing it with a heavy forehand. Break point... and Nadal fires another forehand long. I blame myself for the Spaniard's sudden rustiness. Good stuff from Nole though.

Nadal 2-0 Djokovic * Nadal hooks a forehand wide on the first point and looks fairly stunned by the mistake - I've got a feeling we're going to see very few unforced errors from Rafa tonight. Good stuff from Djokovic, moving into the net and angling away a low backhand volley for 30-30. A huge point follows with both men hitting beautifully from the baseline until NoDjo goes just long. The Serb has a chance to make it deuce but blazes a forehand wide when someone calls out from the crowd, and the umpire appeals to the spectators to, frankly, can it during points.* denotes NEXT to serve

* Nadal 1-0 Djokovic Djokovic wins one of the best opening points to a match you'll ever see, chasing down a drop shot and throwing up a superb lob, before swatting away a backhand winner. He looks exhausted on his way back to the serve. Two points later, the Serb plays a poor drop shot and Nadal moves in for the kill to make it 15-30. Djokovic then fires a backhand long after some heavy Nadal slice pushes him back and it's break point.... wallop. Nadal hammers a backhand down the line. Nerves not a problem then, Rafa?* denotes NEXT to serve

2122: Djokovic to serve....

2114: And Nadal: "That's tennis, when you don't have an indoor court it happens. One more day here in New York is not terrible. I need to play well today, the last few times I didn't play my best against him - he's a great player and is very difficult to stop. I have to play aggressive and play long."

2113: Djokovic is asked in the tunnel about the rain delay: "It did help me and now I'm in the final again for the second time after 2007 and really very excited, playing in the biggest stadium in the sport, it's really very special. Rafa is deservedly the best player in the world and he's going to be very motivated to complete his Grand Slam titles here but I'm going to try my best."

2110: So, Rafael Nadal v Novak Djokovic - it might not be the 'dream final' but it has all the makings of a classic. The Spaniard can become only the seventh man in history to complete the career Grand Slam, he's chasing his ninth major title and he's made it through to the final without losing a set and having dropped serve just twice. And yet... Djokovic has beaten Nadal in their last three meetings, all on hard courts, and on Saturday he beat Roger Federer. After saving two match points.

2110: Well, we made it. After a delay of 24 hours because of rain in New York, we're ready to at least start the US Open men's singles final. Let's hope we make it through without any interruptions. Send me your thoughts via
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or text on 81111 (UK) or 44 7786200666 (worldwide) with TENNIS before your message.

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